Newton Author Barbara Berenson Chronicles Women's Rights Movement

NEWTON, MA — Lessons of history teach that the fight for progress can be long, challenging and recurring even well after barriers appear broken down. Those lessons are often included in the discussions that Newton author Barbara Berenson leads when talking about her 2018 book "Woman Suffrage Movement: Revolutionary Reformers" and the fundamental role Massachusetts activists played in that movement over the course of three generations.

The Newton South alumna, who graduated from Harvard Law School and recently retired as Senior Attorney at the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, said it was about eight years ago when she began to focus some of her interests as a lifelong history buff into writing. She authored books about Boston’s place in the abolitionist movement and the Civil War, and then how many of those themes were echoed in the battle for women’s voting rights.

"It’s important to have a knowledge of history," she said. "What that has shown us is that a step forward, unfortunately, is often followed by a backlash. That's why you have to be brave, persistent and persevere. Over time, the forces of justice and equality will win out even if the road is long and bumpy."

On Tuesday — the 100th anniversary of Massachusetts ratifying the 19th Amendment — Berenson will participate in an event at Boston’s Faneuil Hall, along with Attorney General Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, other elected officials and performers, as part of the Suffrage Centennial Kickoff Celebration in Boston.

Berenson's book traces the fight for women’s rights back to 1850 when the first National Women's Rights Convention in America was held in Worcester. Even as late as 1915, she noted, a large portion of the all-male state electorate lined up to oppose ratifying the 19th Amendment in Massachusetts.

"Change can take a long time," Berenson said. "It's the importance of never despairing and never giving up."

Berenson estimates she's been asked to be part of 50 panels and discussions ahead of the anniversary of the amendment's ratification and that parallels can be drawn between the extended fight for its passage to current debates on women's reproductive rights, civil rights and voting rights.

"There is nothing more important in a democratic toolbox than a ballot," she said. "Issues of ballot access have been fought and re-fought throughout history. The struggles go on. Historically, change has not always been easy."

Tuesday's event runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and is free to the public. RSVP is recommended.